The stihl 4 mix stuff I never adjust the valves the stuff runs good for years of heavy use which is why I like the brand. When I had the shin 4 mix trimmers they were each at the dealers half a dozen times that year. I didn't just run away I ran away from that stuff screaming. The shin 2 cycle is way better than their 4 mix but still lacks the endurance I demand in a handheld piece of equipment.

Click to expand...

yes, the 2-cycle shin is the best! I hope to get out to the dealer soon to look at the machines

shindaiwa for sure hands down. if you want to work harder than you alredy do, you can get a big bulky heavy stihl....but if you are anything like me, i dont want to pack around that weight all day. stihl is best for heavy duty use...not for lawcare in my opinion. Plus, shindaiwa will not put such a dent in your pocketbook! best of luck to ya!

shindaiwa for sure hands down. if you want to work harder than you alredy do, you can get a big bulky heavy stihl....but if you are anything like me, i dont want to pack around that weight all day. stihl is best for heavy duty use...not for lawcare in my opinion. Plus, shindaiwa will not put such a dent in your pocketbook! best of luck to ya![/QUOTE]

In my area it's just the opposite. You will definitely pay more for Shindy than you will for Stihl. You can't lump the entire country together like that. Things vary by region.

Click to expand...

Darryl G said:

I can also tell by looking back to see how they're hanging and often reach back and feel them to see how firm they are.

shindaiwa for sure hands down. if you want to work harder than you alredy do, you can get a big bulky heavy stihl....but if you are anything like me, i dont want to pack around that weight all day. stihl is best for heavy duty use...not for lawcare in my opinion. Plus, shindaiwa will not put such a dent in your pocketbook! best of luck to ya![/QUOTE]

In my area it's just the opposite. You will definitely pay more for Shindy than you will for Stihl. You can't lump the entire country together like that. Things vary by region.